DOCTOR'S SEMINAR
-
Medical system in Costa Rica
-
Social security
-
Differences in the medical system between
Costa Rica and USA
NURSES SEMINAR
-
Epidemic illnesses given in Costa Rica
-
Health Center
HOMEOPATHIC SEMINAR
-
Introduction to the acceptance of homeopathy
-
Preparation for homeopaths in Costa Rica.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
-
Uses of the alternative medicine in Costa
Rica
Can you spot the Cultural differences
here?
Openness is highly valued among most men
and women. Children receive sex education at school, at college, or with
their families, and discussing sex is very common.
Toiletries
Each department in the hospital has its
own bathroom. Privacy for
using the bathroom is important. Persons
who are not able to use the bathroom are helped by a nurse or a family
member.
Special clothing or amulets
Personal things such as a towel, soap,
shampoo, toothpaste, slippers, etc. are brought to the hospital. Rosary
beads and pictures of Saints are often brought.
Self care
When sick, most Costa Ricans prefer to
practice personal hygiene or with minimal assistance from family members.
Patients in poor health conditions are permitted to receive 24 hour assistance
by family members (except intensive care patients).
Food Practices
Usual meal pattern. Three full meals a
day: Early full breakfast, lunch and
dinner. Many still continue the tradition
of coffee time at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Milk is boiled and fresh coffee
is added with plenty of sugar.
Usual diet. Rice, beans, vegetables, salad,
meat, fish, chicken, and jelly.
Fluids. Ice in drinks, except during colds
or respiratory illnesses, when
cold drinks are believed to promote illness.
Food prohibitions. During the Easter week,
Costa Ricans do not eat
red meat and chicken.
Food prescriptions. When afflicted with
colds, flu or viruses, a mixture of
equal amounts of honey, lemon and rum
is used as expectorant and an anti viral. More than a hundred varieties
of herbal teas are used to treat illness and to promote health.
Birth Rituals / Care of the New Mother/Baby
Pregnancy care. During pregnancy a woman
visits a gynecologist monthly. A special diet is advised by a gynecologist
and a woman receives a list of special foods (vitamins).
Labor practices
Hygiene and modesty are highly respected
during labor. Women prefer to have their bodies covered and not be examined
frequently. They prefer a bed position for labor.
Role of the laboring woman during the
birth process
An active role is assumed. Loud or noisy
expressions of pain are socially acceptable and encouraged to cope with
the pain and discomfort.
Role of the father and other family
members during the birth process
The father assumes a passive, supportive
role during labor. Young fathers prefer to attend birth classes to learn
birth procedures. Others prefer not to be present during labor but wish
to be informed along the way.
Problems with the baby
A mother wants to be the first one to
know of any problems with the baby.
Male circumcision
Male circumcision is traditionally done
at birth if it is necessary.
Death Rituals
Preparation. Some prefer to notify family
members, for example the oldest daughter or son. Information is kept away
from the patient and public areas.
Home vs hospitals
If diagnosed with chronic or long-term
illnesses, it is preferred to keep patients in a reputable facility. At
home or in the hospital, families usually arrange for family visitors around
the clock. If death is imminent, many family members stay in waiting areas
around the clock.
Special needs
Candles, rosary beads, special saints
or patron figurines can be placed near the patient.
Care of the body
On the mainland, for financial or cultural
reasons, some families keep the deceased at home rather than at the funeral
home. Some prefer to bury as soon as possible or within 24 hours.
Attitudes toward organ donation
This is a common practice and is seen
as an act of goodwill when done for the benefit of another human being.
Attitudes toward autopsy
The body is considered sacred and treated
with great respect. An autopsy is performed only when necessary.
Family Relationships
All activities, decisions, social, and
cultural standards revolve around the family.
Decision making
People still consult adults and the elderly
in decision making as sign of respect and a search for wisdom.
Spokesperson
The oldest person in the family is usually
the spokesperson.
Caring role
Women assume an active role in caring
for the ill. Men assume a more passive role but still provide financial
care.
Expectations of children
Children are the center of family life.
A strong emphasis is placed on respect, education, and religion.
Expectations of elders
Grandparents are figures of respect, admiration
and wisdom.
Religious Orientation
Eighty percent of the population practices
Catholicism. Others practice Protestantism or other religions.
Costa Ricans, or "Ticos", are renowned
for their gracious hospitality to visitors. They are working very hard
to make sure you have a comfortable, safe learning-vacation. Having long
ago dismantled its army, Costa Rica is a country perpetually at peace,
with excellent educational and health care systems. You will be pleasantly
surprised by how many of Costa Rica's Spanish speaking people also speak
English, German, Italian and French.
Blessed with a natural bounty of forests,
about 25% of the country's total land area is officially protected as a
national parks and wildlife refuges. In Costa Rica, you have the chance
to visit pristine rain forests, cloud forests or dry tropical forests.
You will see an incredible diversity of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths,
poison dart frogs, sea turtles, toucans, macaws and lots of fascinating
plants.
In Costa Rica, you will find superb hotels
in
every price range, and a seemingly limitless variety of food, to suit every
taste. Because the country is blessed with both Pacific and Caribbean coasts,
seafood is fresh, plentiful and cheap.
Costa Rica has a population of 3.4 million
people. Over fifty percent live in the Central Valley which comprises only
4% of the entire country.